The Creating Justice campaign, a media and advocacy initiative aimed at raising awareness about the Sámi people’s fishing rights and advocating for the proper implementation of these rights as confirmed by the Supreme Court in Finland, has recently received significant funding from the Pawanka Fund of RSF Social Finance.

The campaign’s mission revolves around the ongoing struggle of the Sámi people, who inhabit the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, to maintain control and access to their traditional fishing grounds, particularly in the Teno River region. Fishing is not just a means of subsistence for the Sámi but also a vital aspect of their rich culture and heritage.

The Pawanka Fund, under RSF Social Finance, is known for supporting transformative social change projects that align with its mission to foster ethical and sustainable living. The fund’s backing of the Creating Justice campaign represents a critical investment in a cause that touches on human rights, indigenous culture, and environmental stewardship.

Since the new fishing legislation of 2016, the Finnish government has imposed restrictions on fishing in so-called state waters, leading to an oppressive system that challenges the Sámi’s traditional ways of managing the river system. The Creating Justice campaign seeks to leverage the recent legal victories in Finland’s highest court to change the narrative, to educate the public, and to apply pressure for meaningful policy changes.

The Pawanka Fund’s support comes at a crucial time. It enables the campaign to reach a wider audience, using various media channels to tell the story of the Sámi people’s fight for their ancestral rights and to explain the complex legal landscape. More than just a struggle for fishing rights, this campaign highlights a broader issue of indigenous peoples’ rights and their place in modern society. The funding will also strengthen the advocacy efforts, enabling the Sámi community to have a stronger voice in the legal and political arenas.

The Creating Justice campaign symbolizes a merger of tradition, justice, and environmental consciousness. With the financial backing of the Pawanka Fund, it hopes to build bridges between different communities, engage stakeholders at all levels, and forge a path towards a just and sustainable solution that honors the Sámi people’s rich culture and tradition.

In the words of one Sámi angler, “Our rivers are not just waters; they are the veins of our land and the heartbeat of our culture.” The partnership between Creating Justice and the Pawanka Fund seeks to ensure that this heartbeat continues to resonate, echoing the voices of the Sámi people, and inspiring others to join in the pursuit of justice and recognition.